U.S. Department of State to Launch Diplomatic Culinary Partnership with Help from JBF

From Michelle Obama’s vegetable garden to the recent release of her husband’s home-brew recipe, it’s clear that food has become a major player in the capital. And this week, food is spreading from the White House to the State Department, where it will become a diplomatic instrument under a new initiative known as the Diplomatic Culinary Partnership. The program, which was developed in a partnership with JBF, creates the American Chef Corps, a group of chefs who will act as food-focused statesmen, dispatched around the globe to promote American cuisine and ingredients. "By showcasing the best of American cuisine and creativity, we can show our guests a bit about ourselves," says United States chief of protocol Capricia Penavic Marshall. "Likewise, by incorporating elements of our visitor's culture, we can demonstrate respect and a desire to connect and engage. The connections formed over a shared meal can develop into some of the strongest bonds. Food has the unique ability to unite and energize."

Prior to this collaboration, JBF had recently advised the State Department on chef talent for diplomatic functions.

Marshall will launch the Diplomatic Culinary Partnership at the U.S. Department of State at 6:00 P.M. this evening. Read the full release about the initiative here.